Bangladesh has launched a diplomatic campaign as part of its desperate efforts to get a Coronavirus vaccine amid fears that the B1.617.2 variant of COVID-19, which first emerged in India, could quickly spread to the neighboring country.

Bangladesh appeals for COVID-19 vaccine, appeals to world community to procure doses

Thousands of police patrolled the empty streets of the Bangladesh capital on Wednesday as the government enforced a strict nationwide lockdown to combat a deadly new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus </a>wave.

Normally jammed with some of Asia's worst gridlock, Dhaka took on the air of a ghost town as officers set up checkpoints across the city of 20 million people to ensure no-one ventured out without a special pass.

Wednesday was the first day of the Bengali new year, when millions normally flock to traditional rallies in major cities, as well as the first day of the Ramadan Muslim fasting month.

But all festivities have been called off for the second year because of the coronavirus threat.

Bangladesh has been swept for the past month by a fresh coronavirus wave that has seen daily infections rise seven-fold and deaths triple.

The South Asian country has recorded roughly 700,000 cases and nearly 10,000 deaths in all.

Tens of thousands of people packed the last trains, buses and ferries before the lockdown came into force at 6:00am (midnight GMT).

A Dhaka police spokesman told AFP said he had only seen "a handful" of people on the streets on the first day of the transport ban, as well as the closure of offices and stores.

For eight days, people are only allowed out to buy food and medicines or for medical emergencies.

Officers are checking online movement passes, issued for the first time.

National police chief Benazir Ahmed ordered all officers to strictly enforce the measure in a call with police chiefs across the country of 168 million people.

"During the government restrictions, no one should step out of their homes unnecessarily," he said.

<h2>Pakistan shutdown&nbsp;</h2>

Coronavirus restrictions have also overshadowed the start of Ramadan in India and Pakistan.

Pandemic curfews are being enforced in many Indian cities as fresh cases again hit new highs, while the number of dead in one day rose above 1,000 for the first time since September.

Pakistan's government has ordered a shutdown of all but essential shops at weekends and the closure of markets at 6.00pm on weekdays.

The poor nation has also been hit by a new wave and authorities fear an acceleration of cases during Ramadan.

Many mosques ignored official pleas to host prayers outside and follow social distancing rules, as Muslims gathered ahead of the first fast.

Ikram Jan, 45, a school teacher in Rawalpindi, said he would pray at home to keep his family safe.

"Most worshippers do not have masks and all of them stand shoulder to shoulder, hundreds of people, that's very dangerous," he said.

More than 730,000 people in Pakistan have been diagnosed with coronavirus, but with limited testing in the country of 220 million people, the true figure is believed to be much higher.

It has recorded more than 15,000 deaths, with 130 reported Wednesday one of the highest daily tolls.

Thousands of police patrolled the empty streets of the Bangladesh capital on Wednesday as the government enforced a strict nationwide lockdown to combat a deadly new coronavirus wave.

Thousands of police patrolled the empty streets of the Bangladesh capital on Wednesday as the government enforced a strict nationwide lockdown to combat a deadly new coronavirus wave. Normally jammed with some of Asia's worst gridlock, Dhaka took on the air of a ghost town as officers set up checkpoints across the city of 20 million people to ensure no-one ventured out without a special pass. Wednesday was the first day of the Bengali new year, when millions normally flock to traditional rallies in major cities, as well as the first day of the Ramadan Muslim fasting month. But all festivities have been called off for the second year because of the coronavirus threat. Bangladesh has been swept for the past month by a fresh coronavirus wave that has seen daily infections rise seven-fold and deaths triple. The South Asian country has recorded roughly 700,000 cases and nearly 10,000 deaths in all. Tens of thousands of people packed the last trains, buses and ferries before the lockdown came into force at 6:00am (midnight GMT). A Dhaka police spokesman told AFP said he had only seen "a handful" of people on the streets on the first day of the transport ban, as well as the closure of offices and stores. For eight days, people are only allowed out to buy food and medicines or for medical emergencies. Officers are checking online movement passes, issued for the first time. National police chief Benazir Ahmed ordered all officers to strictly enforce the measure in a call with police chiefs across the country of 168 million people. "During the government restrictions, no one should step out of their homes unnecessarily," he said. Pakistan shutdown Coronavirus restrictions have also overshadowed the start of Ramadan in India and Pakistan. Pandemic curfews are being enforced in many Indian cities as fresh cases again hit new highs, while the number of dead in one day rose above 1,000 for the first time since September. Pakistan's government has ordered a shutdown of all but essential shops at weekends and the closure of markets at 6.00pm on weekdays. The poor nation has also been hit by a new wave and authorities fear an acceleration of cases during Ramadan. Many mosques ignored official pleas to host prayers outside and follow social distancing rules, as Muslims gathered ahead of the first fast. Ikram Jan, 45, a school teacher in Rawalpindi, said he would pray at home to keep his family safe. "Most worshippers do not have masks and all of them stand shoulder to shoulder, hundreds of people, that's very dangerous," he said. More than 730,000 people in Pakistan have been diagnosed with coronavirus, but with limited testing in the country of 220 million people, the true figure is believed to be much higher. It has recorded more than 15,000 deaths, with 130 reported Wednesday one of the highest daily tolls.

COVID-19: Bangladesh enforces tough lockdown to fight virus

About 45% of the residents of Dhaka have developed COVID-19 antibodies, with the rate climbing to 74% among slum-dwellers. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Half of Dhaka's residents carry antibodies

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs.

Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-bangladesh-resumes-international-flights-307476">COVID-19: Bangladesh resumes international flights</a>

The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP.

The JSS is the main insurgent group in&nbsp;Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-doctors-claim-to-have-found-effective-drug-combination-to-cure-covid-19-patients-299247">Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients</a>

It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997.

Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps.

In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders.

In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said.

At least six tribal activists were shot dead Tuesday in an ambush by a rival group in Bangladesh's restive Chittagong Hill Tracts, where scores have died in an insurgency in recent years, police said. Gunmen attacked supporters of a splinter group off the Jan Sanhati Samiti (JSS) insurgent movement at Bagmara in Bandarban district, about 400 kilometres southeast of the capital Dhaka, according to officeArs. Also read| COVID-19: Bangladesh resumes international flights The splinter group's district head was among the dead and three other people were critically wounded, S.M. Mobassher Hossain, deputy head of the Bandarban police, told AFP. The JSS is the main insurgent group in Bangladesh's three Chittagong hill districts that include Bandarban. Also read: Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients It fought a battle with government forces that claimed about 2,500 lives in the area from the early 1980s until a peace treaty was signed in 1997. Despite the accord and withdrawal of most troops from the region, unrest has continued as tribal groups demand key clauses of the deal be implemented, including dismantling the villages of Bengali settlers and army camps. In recent years insurgent groups have splintered, setting off in-fighting that has claimed scores of lives including several faction leaders. In March last year seven people were killed during a battle in Bandarban.

Six shot dead in Bangladesh's restive southeastern hills: Police

Yoga is a new approach by the diplomatic security division of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to boost mental health in the force amid coronavirus. At least 6,826 police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus with 21 reported fatalities as of June 10

Bangladesh battles deadly COVID-19: Dhaka police to make yoga sessions routine for officers

The Bangladesh government has decided to deploy troops in the areas flagged as COVID-19 red zones to address the pandemic, it was reported on Tuesday. 
 
Army personnel were currently patrolling the East Rajabazar area of Dhaka which was put under experimental lockdown due to a high coronavirus infection rate. 
 
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate said: "Troops will increase patrols in the red zones in line with the government order."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-doctors-claim-to-have-found-effective-drug-combination-to-cure-covid-19-patients-299247">Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients</a>

The national committee for tackling the coronavirus outbreak has identified 45 areas in Dhaka as red zones. 
 
It will take some more time to enforce lockdowns in those areas after completing all preparations, the authorities said. 
 
The army will work in coordination with other government agencies and the people in the red zones, ISPR Director Abdullah Ibn Zaid said. 
 
The government ended the shutdown of offices and the public transportation system on May 31, but put some restrictions in place, after a two-month lockdown. COVID-19 cases and deaths have since surged. 
 
It later decided to categorise areas red, green and yellow zones based on the rate of coronavirus infections and deaths. 
 
On Monday, the Cabinet Division issued instructions on how to work within the marked areas. 
 
So far, Bangladesh has reported a total of 90,619 COVID-19 cases, with 1,209 deaths.

The Bangladesh government has decided to deploy troops in the areas flagged as COVID-19 red zones to address the pandemic, it was reported on Tuesday. Army personnel were currently patrolling the East Rajabazar area of Dhaka which was put under experimental lockdown due to a high coronavirus infection rate.

The Bangladesh government has decided to deploy troops in the areas flagged as COVID-19 red zones to address the pandemic, it was reported on Tuesday. Army personnel were currently patrolling the East Rajabazar area of Dhaka which was put under experimental lockdown due to a high coronavirus infection rate. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate said: "Troops will increase patrols in the red zones in line with the government order." Also read: Bangladesh doctors claim to have found effective drug combination to cure COVID-19 patients The national committee for tackling the coronavirus outbreak has identified 45 areas in Dhaka as red zones. It will take some more time to enforce lockdowns in those areas after completing all preparations, the authorities said. The army will work in coordination with other government agencies and the people in the red zones, ISPR Director Abdullah Ibn Zaid said. The government ended the shutdown of offices and the public transportation system on May 31, but put some restrictions in place, after a two-month lockdown. COVID-19 cases and deaths have since surged. It later decided to categorise areas red, green and yellow zones based on the rate of coronavirus infections and deaths. On Monday, the Cabinet Division issued instructions on how to work within the marked areas. So far, Bangladesh has reported a total of 90,619 COVID-19 cases, with 1,209 deaths.

Bangladesh army to tighten vigilance in coronavirus red zones

China on Monday sent a 10-member team of medical experts to Bangladesh to help the country in containing the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed 930 lives and infected 68,504 people.

"The Chinese doctors, mostly respiratory physicians, would visit designated COVID-19 hospitals, quarantine centres and testing facilities. They will discuss the pandemic with their Bangladeshi counterparts and make calibrated propositions for its containment and treatment," a foreign ministry spokesperson said.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-police-officers-turn-to-yoga-in-times-of-coronavirus-pandemic-304257">Bangladesh police officers turn to yoga in times of coronavirus pandemic</a>

The Chinese team comprises six male and four female doctors. They were received by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the spokesperson said.

"It's not possible for a single country to tackle the pandemic alone, so cooperation and partnership among the countries are must," Momen said, while receiving the team.

China's National Health Commission (NHC) has organised their visit.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said 42 more COVID-19 fatalities were recorded in the country, taking the total death toll to 930.

"The tally of infections also surged to 68,504 after 2,735 new COVID-19 cases were detected in the last 24 hours," DGHS Additional Director General Nasima Sultana said in her daily virtual media briefing.

Last month, India provided 30,000 RT-PCR COVID-19 test kits to Bangladesh. It was the third tranche of the emergency medical assistance under the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Bangladesh was the first country to receive the Indian test kits on priority.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured India's readiness to help Bangladesh in containing the spread of the coronavirus during a telephonic conversation with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in April.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

China on Monday sent a 10-member team of medical experts to Bangladesh to help the country in containing the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed 930 lives and infected 68,504 people.

China on Monday sent a 10-member team of medical experts to Bangladesh to help the country in containing the spread of the coronavirus, which has claimed 930 lives and infected 68,504 people. "The Chinese doctors, mostly respiratory physicians, would visit designated COVID-19 hospitals, quarantine centres and testing facilities. They will discuss the pandemic with their Bangladeshi counterparts and make calibrated propositions for its containment and treatment," a foreign ministry spokesperson said. Also read | Bangladesh police officers turn to yoga in times of coronavirus pandemic The Chinese team comprises six male and four female doctors. They were received by Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA), the spokesperson said. "It's not possible for a single country to tackle the pandemic alone, so cooperation and partnership among the countries are must," Momen said, while receiving the team. China's National Health Commission (NHC) has organised their visit. Earlier in the day, Bangladesh's Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said 42 more COVID-19 fatalities were recorded in the country, taking the total death toll to 930. "The tally of infections also surged to 68,504 after 2,735 new COVID-19 cases were detected in the last 24 hours," DGHS Additional Director General Nasima Sultana said in her daily virtual media briefing. Last month, India provided 30,000 RT-PCR COVID-19 test kits to Bangladesh. It was the third tranche of the emergency medical assistance under the SAARC COVID-19 Emergency Fund. Bangladesh was the first country to receive the Indian test kits on priority. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured India's readiness to help Bangladesh in containing the spread of the coronavirus during a telephonic conversation with his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina in April.

Chinese team reaches Bangladesh to assist in fight against coronavirus

Nearly 10 per cent of the total coronavirus infections have hit the police in Bangladesh and now to boost their health and keep the deadly virus away, the cops are performing yoga. &nbsp;

The police have played a vital role in enforcing the nationwide lockdown across the country that was lifted at the end of May.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-releasing-children-in-detention-centres-to-avoid-coronavirus-cases-surge-303650">Bangladesh releasing children in detention centres to avoid coronavirus cases surge</a>

However, 6,000 police officers across the country have also been by COVID-19, out of which 19 cops have lost their lives. &nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-youth-who-planned-to-marry-karachi-woman-held-at-attari-302914#:~:text=Nayanmiah%20Abdullah%20(20)%20decided%20to,marry%20her%2C%20he%20told%20police.">Bangladeshi youth who planned to marry Karachi woman held at Attari</a>

In the capital Dhaka, as many as 1,850 policemen contracted the disease, and 10 died, as per government figures.&nbsp;

"They are playing a vital role staying on the streets to maintain law and order," Rajon Kumar Saha, a spokesman for Dhaka police's diplomatic security division said.

This security division was also behind the initiative of organising yoga sessions for police officials on Sunday.

"We were instructed to do what could be done to morally boost the force amid this crisis. This yoga is a part of that mission for us," Saha said, adding that up to 1,200 policemen will take part in the sessions.

Shama Makhing, a yoga teacher who led nearly 100 officers in stretching and breathing exercises early on Monday, said that the yoga would help cops maintain their physical and mental strength.&nbsp;

"They cannot skip duty," Makhing said, adding, "therefore it is important for the policemen to be fit. Yoga... can help them with their breathing."

The unit's deputy chief Muhit Kabir Sarneabat said police were mulling over introducing yoga and other physical exercises for policemen in other divisions. 
&nbsp;

Nearly 10 per cent of the total coronavirus infections have hit the police in Bangladesh and now to boost their health and keep the deadly virus away, the cops are performing yoga.

Nearly 10 per cent of the total coronavirus infections have hit the police in Bangladesh and now to boost their health and keep the deadly virus away, the cops are performing yoga. The police have played a vital role in enforcing the nationwide lockdown across the country that was lifted at the end of May. Also read | Bangladesh releasing children in detention centres to avoid coronavirus cases surge However, 6,000 police officers across the country have also been by COVID-19, out of which 19 cops have lost their lives. Also read | Bangladeshi youth who planned to marry Karachi woman held at Attari In the capital Dhaka, as many as 1,850 policemen contracted the disease, and 10 died, as per government figures. "They are playing a vital role staying on the streets to maintain law and order," Rajon Kumar Saha, a spokesman for Dhaka police's diplomatic security division said. This security division was also behind the initiative of organising yoga sessions for police officials on Sunday. "We were instructed to do what could be done to morally boost the force amid this crisis. This yoga is a part of that mission for us," Saha said, adding that up to 1,200 policemen will take part in the sessions. Shama Makhing, a yoga teacher who led nearly 100 officers in stretching and breathing exercises early on Monday, said that the yoga would help cops maintain their physical and mental strength. "They cannot skip duty," Makhing said, adding, "therefore it is important for the policemen to be fit. Yoga... can help them with their breathing." The unit's deputy chief Muhit Kabir Sarneabat said police were mulling over introducing yoga and other physical exercises for policemen in other divisions.

Bangladesh police officers turn to yoga in times of coronavirus pandemic

Hundreds of children accused of committing largely petty crimes are being released in Bangladesh in a bid to avoid the spread of coronavirus in overcrowded detention centres.

Nearly 400 children have been given bail in recent weeks and over 300 of them have already been reunited with their families, Natalie McCauley, head of child protection at UNICEF in Bangladesh said, reported AP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladeshi-youth-who-planned-to-marry-karachi-woman-held-at-attari-302914">Bangladeshi youth who planned to marry Karachi woman held at Attari</a>

She said that the decision was taken after a number of health experts warned of a surge in infections in children living in the detention centres due to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-bangladesh-lifts-lockdown-record-rise-in-coronavirus-infections-deaths-seen-302362">As Bangladesh lifts lockdown, record rise in coronavirus infections, deaths seen</a>

The judicial system in Bangladesh is such that cases stretch for years to conclude and according to UNICEF nearly 23,000 cases involving children under 18 years of age are pending in the courts across the country.&nbsp;

Saifur Rahman, a special officer of the Supreme Court and additional district judge who is associated with the release program said that this program was important as with scarce staff and utilities in detention centres, it was very difficult to curb the risk of COVID-19 infection. &nbsp;

The coronavirus cases in South Asian countries are rising and Bangladesh is also seeing a similar trend, with the latest figures suggesting 60,391 cases and 811 deaths. Public health officials say that the actual number of infections could be much higher in Bangladesh.&nbsp;

Hundreds of children accused of committing largely petty crimes are being released in Bangladesh in a bid to avoid the spread of coronavirus in overcrowded detention centres.

Hundreds of children accused of committing largely petty crimes are being released in Bangladesh in a bid to avoid the spread of coronavirus in overcrowded detention centres. Nearly 400 children have been given bail in recent weeks and over 300 of them have already been reunited with their families, Natalie McCauley, head of child protection at UNICEF in Bangladesh said, reported AP. Also read | Bangladeshi youth who planned to marry Karachi woman held at Attari She said that the decision was taken after a number of health experts warned of a surge in infections in children living in the detention centres due to overcrowding and unhygienic conditions. Also read | As Bangladesh lifts lockdown, record rise in coronavirus infections, deaths seen The judicial system in Bangladesh is such that cases stretch for years to conclude and according to UNICEF nearly 23,000 cases involving children under 18 years of age are pending in the courts across the country. Saifur Rahman, a special officer of the Supreme Court and additional district judge who is associated with the release program said that this program was important as with scarce staff and utilities in detention centres, it was very difficult to curb the risk of COVID-19 infection. The coronavirus cases in South Asian countries are rising and Bangladesh is also seeing a similar trend, with the latest figures suggesting 60,391 cases and 811 deaths. Public health officials say that the actual number of infections could be much higher in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh releasing children in detention centres to avoid coronavirus cases surge

Bangladesh lifted its coronavirus lockdown Sunday, with millions heading back to work in densely populated cities and towns even as the country logged a record spike in deaths and new infections.

"The lockdown has been lifted and we are heading almost towards our regular life," health department spokeswoman Nasima Sultana said, calling on those returning to work to wear masks and observe social distancing.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/bangladesh/covid-19-bangladesh-will-not-extend-lockdown-after-may-30-301544">COVID 19: Bangladesh will not extend lockdown after May 30</a>

The lifting comes as Bangladesh -- which on Friday took an emergency pandemic loan from the International Monetary Fund -- reported its biggest daily jump in infections Sunday, with 2,545 new cases and a record 40 deaths.

In the crowded capital Dhaka, passengers piled into trains and traffic-clogged up the streets as workers returned to their jobs after months of restrictions that have battered the economy.

Some wore gloves and masks as they headed to their offices, while others stood the recommended two feet apart as long queues formed outside bank branches.

At a ferry station in Barisal, south of the capital, there was a crush of passengers as people rushed to board vessels.

"I tried to avoid crowds when I walked to my office. But social distancing is impossible in Dhaka's footpaths," banker Badrul Islam told AFP.

Restrictions to curb the virus imposed on March 26 have been gradually eased in recent weeks, with only educational institutions remaining closed.

The country of 168 million has reported 47,151 infections and 650 deaths, although experts warn Bangladesh is not conducting enough testing and the actual toll is likely much higher.

Some day labourers, who were badly hit by the lockdown, welcomed the decision.

"I hardly had three good meals in the past two months as I was jobless," 58-year-old labourer Tota Miah told AFP.

But one man queueing outside a bank in Dhaka, who asked to remain anonymous, slammed the move to open up as "too early" and "suicidal".

Ahsan H. Mansur, executive director of leading Bangladesh think tank the Policy Research Institute also expressed caution, saying he feared "a much stronger surge in infections and associated deaths in the coming weeks." 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh lifted its coronavirus lockdown Sunday, with millions heading back to work in densely populated cities and towns even as the country logged a record spike in deaths and new infections.

Bangladesh lifted its coronavirus lockdown Sunday, with millions heading back to work in densely populated cities and towns even as the country logged a record spike in deaths and new infections. "The lockdown has been lifted and we are heading almost towards our regular life," health department spokeswoman Nasima Sultana said, calling on those returning to work to wear masks and observe social distancing. Also read | COVID 19: Bangladesh will not extend lockdown after May 30 The lifting comes as Bangladesh -- which on Friday took an emergency pandemic loan from the International Monetary Fund -- reported its biggest daily jump in infections Sunday, with 2,545 new cases and a record 40 deaths. In the crowded capital Dhaka, passengers piled into trains and traffic-clogged up the streets as workers returned to their jobs after months of restrictions that have battered the economy. Some wore gloves and masks as they headed to their offices, while others stood the recommended two feet apart as long queues formed outside bank branches. At a ferry station in Barisal, south of the capital, there was a crush of passengers as people rushed to board vessels. "I tried to avoid crowds when I walked to my office. But social distancing is impossible in Dhaka's footpaths," banker Badrul Islam told AFP. Restrictions to curb the virus imposed on March 26 have been gradually eased in recent weeks, with only educational institutions remaining closed. The country of 168 million has reported 47,151 infections and 650 deaths, although experts warn Bangladesh is not conducting enough testing and the actual toll is likely much higher. Some day labourers, who were badly hit by the lockdown, welcomed the decision. "I hardly had three good meals in the past two months as I was jobless," 58-year-old labourer Tota Miah told AFP. But one man queueing outside a bank in Dhaka, who asked to remain anonymous, slammed the move to open up as "too early" and "suicidal". Ahsan H. Mansur, executive director of leading Bangladesh think tank the Policy Research Institute also expressed caution, saying he feared "a much stronger surge in infections and associated deaths in the coming weeks."

As Bangladesh lifts lockdown, record rise in coronavirus infections, deaths seen

Chinese President Xi Jinping called Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and offered a team of coronavirus experts as COVID-19 cases and the death toll from the disease continues to surge in Bangladesh. China. However, this was not just a courtesy call by Xi but was a part of Beijing's larger diplomatic strategy. Watch report.

China wants sister cities in Bangladesh: Xi Jinping offers to send COVID-19 expert team

In Bangladesh, people have violated the rule of social isolation as the coronavirus is spreading across the country. Hundreds of garment factory workers are defying nationwide coronavirus lockdown and are attending work. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Social isolation rules flouted in Bangladesh